Kentucky Rep. Leslie Combs (D), who accidentally fired her semi-automatic handgun in the state capitol on Tuesday, said in a statement Wednesday that she carries a gun for her personal safety.
She said she supports Second Amendment rights, but that she believes gun safety education is also very important.
Read her full statement:
On Tuesday, I accidentally discharged a firearm in my legislative office in the Capitol Annex. No one was hurt or in harm’s way, and I followed standard safety procedures when this accident occurred. The incident was investigated by the Kentucky State Police’s legislative detail, which confirmed that ‘no evidence was located that demonstrated any portion of the round traveled outside of Rep. Combs’ office.’
I obtained my concealed-carry permit several years ago to better protect my safety, as I travel widely and sometimes at night. I strongly support our Second Amendment rights and our state’s concealed-carry law, and believe just as strongly that gun safety and education must be part of that equation. I urge everyone to be extremely cautious with their firearm. I know from personal experience how easy it is to discharge a firearm accidentally.
